Almost as soon as the railroad arrived in Columbus in the early 1850s, trains were tying up traffic. The joy of reliable travel to other parts of the country rapidly gave way to irritation.

Almost as soon as the railroad arrived in Columbus in the early 1850s, trains were tying up traffic. The joy of reliable travel to other parts of the country rapidly gave way to irritation.

The city’s train station, freight depots and rail yards were on both sides of N. High Street, just north of what is now Nationwide Boulevard.

In his 1892 The History of the City of Columbus, historian Alfred E. Lee wrote, “Trains were made up in the yards east of and adjoining High Street. This caused frequent blockades of the street and angry complaints soon became common.”

He quoted an article from the March 31, 1855, issue of The Ohio State Journal about the problem:

“Within the past weeks we have received no less than ten communications relative to the careless manner in which the railroad companies allow their locomotives to cross High Street. We have not published them knowing that it would do no good.”

In a later article, the newspaper would note that sometimes, three trains would arrive at the same time “blocking up the whole space and leaving barely room to walk between them.”

The initial solution to the problem was approved nearly two decades later. On March 23, 1874, the railroad companies accepted the city’s plan — a tunnel under the tracks.

Lee writes: “It was soon found that the tunnel did not furnish a proper remedy. The street railway (streetcar) company laid its tracks through it, but the public would not use it.”

In 1888, a wooden viaduct was built over the tracks. This was replaced in the 1890s.

Suggestions for Mileposts that will run this bicentennial year can be sent to: Gerald Tebben, Box 82125, Columbus, OH 43202, or email gtebben@columbus.rr.com.